News: Navy League bids farewell to Adm. Haney

David Livingston, president of the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council, presents Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, a certificate of appreciation during a farewell event in Haney's honor. Navy League members and advisers gathered to honor and thank Haney before his departure in October for his next assignment as commander of U.S. Strategic Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Dunford/Released)

David Livingston, president of the Navy League of the United States Honolulu Council, and Bob McDermott, the council’s executive director, gathered Navy League members to honor and present a certificate of appreciation to Haney before his departure in October for his next assignment as commander of U.S. Strategic Command.

“Thank you for all you do. We appreciate the leadership that you have given to our community during your time here and we really do appreciate the support that you’ve shown the Navy League, and we’re going to miss you,” said Livingston.

McDermott read the certificate as Livingston presented it to Haney, “… as commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, you joined our island community and encouraged a long-time, continuing relationship between the Pacific Fleet and the Honolulu Navy League, and became an honored friend and member of the Navy League family.”

Events such as Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year recognition, Key Spouse recognition awards, Sea Services recognition, Merchant Mariner recognition, Military Appreciation Month, and sponsorships for adopted ships, the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), are just a few of more than 40 activities supported by the Honolulu Council. Additionally, they provide financial support for many of the activities for wounded warriors to help their recovery and transition to civilian life.

Haney took this opportunity to thank the Navy League for their support and award.

“I can’t thank you all enough for what you do and what you represent both to Hawaii but also to our sailors,” said Haney. “I just can’t thank you enough … for the support you give our United States Navy”

The Navy League of the United States was established in 1902 with the support of President Theodore Roosevelt and is an organization dedicated to the mission of educating citizens about the importance of free seas and shipping to our national security and economy, through naval strength, and support of the men and women of the sea services and their families. The Honolulu Council is the largest of the 248 worldwide councils with more than 2,300 local members.